Many believe Amazon will unveil smartphone with 3-D capabilities at June 18 event

Anyone can request an invitation to attend Amazon June 18 event

Amazon has scheduled a "launch event" for June 18 in Seattle, where it is expected to introduce its first smartphone.

The online retailer remains coy about identifying its new product. It announced the event Wednesday through a tweet along with a YouTube video teaser that shows users reacting to something being held at lap level, but doesn't show what's in their hands.

Video: Amazon teases June 18 event

Amazon will hold an event on June 18, and anyone can request an invitation to it.

Amazon will hold an event on June 18, and anyone can request an invitation to it.

If the object is indeed a smartphone, the company will be entering a crowded market dominated by Apple and Samsung. Amazon, with its Kindle Fire devices, already competes against these companies in the tablet market.